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Go Home McCain's Low Road To Victory

POLITICS JUNE 23, 2008

McCain's Low Road To Victory

BY AUTHOR INFO NEEDED

Seldom has a presidential candidate faced such long odds. John McCain has repeatedly allied himself with the most unpopular president since the history of modern polling. He has embraced the most unpopular war since <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Vietnam. The U.S. economy continues its downward slide. Polls show generic Democratic candidates leading by double digits at all levels of government. <?xml:namespace prefix = o />

And those are just the beginning of McCain’s problems. He is caught between a rock and a hard place in the core narrative about what he stands for. Moderates are turned off every time he takes a right turn to bow to a base whose ideology has proven destructive, while the GOP base is distinctly unenthusiastic about a candidate they suspect is really not one of them. Add to the mix an extraordinarily charismatic candidate running against an extraordinarily uncharismatic one, and it’s no surprise that Republicans are openly expressing angst.


With all that stacked against him, the only road that could take McCain to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the low road, one of the few pieces of infrastructure left in good repair by President Bush. His father paved it against Michael Dukakis, George W. Bush repaved it running against John Kerry, and the GOP repainted the dotted line in now-Senator Bob Corker’s 2006 contest with Harold Ford. The path to success for McCain is to make the election a referendum on his opponent, by working in silent concert with 527 groups and media outlets such as Fox News to pursue character assassination, guilt by association, and, most of all, the effort to paint Obama as different, foreign, unlike “us,” and dangerous (and did I mention that he’s black?).


Over the last several weeks, McCain has been running “The American President,” an ad with all the trappings of positivity, but that actually sets the stage for all future attacks. The attacks will not come from McCain. They will come from the momentarity dormant 527s behind them, giving McCain plausible deniability while they make the presidential contest about Barack Obama’s differentness and activate unconscious racial sentiments that Republicans have preyed upon for four decades.


The name of McCain’s ad itself suggests both its positive message and its more insidious subtext: What other kind of President is there? An un-American President, someone who is not really “one of us”? An anti-American President? Or perhaps just an African-American President. Bob Corker ran an entire campaign against a man born and raised in Memphis (Harold Ford, Jr.) with the premise, “Who’s the real Tennesseean?” (and did I mention that he’s black?). McCain was apparently so impressed with the race-baiting “Harold, Call Me” ad that he hired the man who produced it to run his campaign (although he left when McCain's bus seemed to have run out of gas before it eventually refueled in Iowa and New Hampshire).


So what is the message of “The American President”? The announcer asks, “What must a president believe about us?” This seems innocuous enough, until you realize that it implicitly sets Obama up as “not one of us” and lays the ground for the RNC and the 527s to remind Americans of Obama’s “elitist” comments about average Americans, which McCain is already riffing on in stump speeches, and Michelle Obama’s gaffe about being really proud of her country “for the first time,” to which Cindy McCain responded that she has always been proud of her country. (Apparently her country’s refusal to let black people vote for a century after the Civil War, including during her lifetime, never touched her sense of national pride.)


The announcer goes on, “And what must we believe about that president? What does he think? Where has he been? Has he walked the walk?” Again, innocuous enough, but it plays on the question of what Obama must have been thinking in the (did I say black?) pews all those years while listening to Reverend Wright, or what he must have learned in the Muslim schools he allegedly attended in Indonesia. The ad ends, “John McCain: The American President Americans have been waiting for.” Syntactically, that’s an oddly redundant conclusion. Why not, “John McCain: The President Americans have been waiting for?” Because, of course, that second rendering would not imply that his opponent is not American.


Under other circumstances, such simple turns of phrase might mean little. But these aren’t other circumstances. Barack Obama has been the target of a concerted smear campaign that tells a consistent story: that he is a Muslim, that he attended an anti-American madrassa as a child, that he refuses to put his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance, that he took his oath of office to the Senate with his hand on the Koran, and that he hates Israel. Beginning in late 2006, conservative talk show hosts and commentators like Ann Coulter were calling him "B. Hussein Obama," images on the Internet were morphing Obama into Osama, and commentators were raising questions about his patriotism. 


These subterranean messages took a substantial toll. When I was doing focus groups with swing voters in the early winter, nearly half of every group we met with would either assert confidently or wonder aloud whether Obama was a Muslim or didn’t believe in the Pledge of Allegiance.


But this was just the beginning. With his patriotism and “us-ness” in question, the theme moved from “different” directly to “black” (with the unfortunate complicity of Hillary Clinton’s campaign). Already this month, a Fox News host asked if Barack and Michelle Obama shared a “terrorist fist jab”; and the same network also referred to Michelle as Barack’s “baby mama.” The National Review, among others, made the unprecedented call for Obama to release his birth certificate (which he did). The false story of his wife using the term “whitey” spread, as did a photo album displaying the future “first family,” putting together all of Obama’s African relatives in an attempt to make him look as foreign as possible while also suggesting that some of his relatives were terrorists.


The pattern is clear. At its broadest, the goal is to portray Obama as “them, not us.” And if anyone does not remember the term “Black Muslim,” with all its associations to ’60s domestic terrorism (by the way, did I mention his connection to the Weather Underground, and the position attributed to him by John McCain that as president he would meet with terrorists?), it is unconsciously active in all of our minds now. We should expect a demonization of Michelle Obama that makes the Republican branding of Hillary Clinton in the 1990s pale. There will likely be a spate of YouTube ads and once-played television ads that will receive tremendous media coverage aimed at consciously raising questions about the ads while unconsciously reinforcing questions about Barack Obama.


For any who wonder how successful this technique can be, my colleague Joel Weinberger and I recently ran a study for CNN testing the conscious and unconscious impact of three attack ads. The results were clear: The conscious and unconscious impact of an attack ad can be diametrically opposed. For example, just as exit polls showed that more than half of voters in Ohio, where she ran it, said she’d run an unfair campaign against Obama but still handed her a substantial victory, viewers of Hillary’s “3 A.M.” ad decried it and claimed that it made them think less of Hillary--but the words most strongly activated unconsciously about Obama by the ad were weak, Muslim, terrorist, and lightweight.


We are poised for the nastiest, most racist presidential contest in modern American history. Why? Because John McCain can’t win any other way.


Is there an antidote?  Yes, and it’s fourfold, dictated as much by our psychology as our politics:


(1) Do not let attacks fester, where they can affect voters’ unconscious associations and feelings toward a candidate long after they learn that the initial information was untrue.


(2) Create a counter-narrative about who Barack Obama is that makes clear that he is “us,” not “them,” and that his story is our story. (His first general-election ad appears to be an effort to do just that.)


(3) Strike hard at the character of those who would attack a man’s patriotism, wife, faith, and race, so that the issue is their character, not his.


(4) Resist the temptations to run away from talking honestly about race or to speak about issues related to race euphemistically. Our better angels on race are our conscious values. The more Barack Obama can fight this battle on the conscious battlefield, where virtually all Americans oppose racial discrimination, the more he will win the hearts and minds of the American people, and the more they will feel they know, trust, and can identify with him. The more Republicans succeed in fighting a subterranean racial insurgency, the greater their chances of beating the odds in November.


Drew Westen is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at Emory University and author of The Political Brain.

By Drew Westen

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

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116 comments

McCain playing on the "voters' unconscious fears of Obama" Hmm. A GOP candidate using fear-mongoring to gull, the gulliple hoi polloi. Who'd of thunk it?

- tec619

June 23, 2008 at 12:15am

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"The effort to make this campaign about voters' unconscious fears of Obama has already begun." You are trying to do to McCain what you did to Hillary Clinton. Present him as a racist. You present no proof that he is engaging in racialist politics so you resort to using phrases like "unconscious fears." This is beneath contempt. I hope the McCain people fight back in a much stronger way than the Hillary campaind.

- Reality Check

June 23, 2008 at 12:25am

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Very well said. I think Drew Westen should forward his suggestions to the Obama campaign. They will be useful.

- Gabriel

June 23, 2008 at 12:35am

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The fears are legitimate, and it is legitimate to exploit such fears. Obama is entirely too unknown to be president of the United States. Let the mans serve for a decent amount of time and be in the public eye long enough to be vetted through a reasonable degree of familiarity. This is not 1888. We can't afford any wildcards in the White House.

- ChanRobt

June 23, 2008 at 1:12am

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McCain's final story will be a sad one: a hero who sold his soul, a man of principle who traded his most precious values for nothing. It's hard to watch. I'd call it a tragedy, but tragedies are about the downfall of great characters, and this old man has already shown himself to be far, far from great. It's not a tragedy. It's just grotesque. Please, let this summer pass quickly.

- ralphnelle

June 23, 2008 at 2:33am

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The “Low Road?” -- Talk about the proverbial, “it takes one to know one.” -- Westen’s essay virtually oozes ‘snake oil.’ -- Westin: “The name of McCain's ad itself suggests both its positive message and its more insidious subtext: What other kind of President is there? An un-American President, someone who is not really ‘one of us’? [sic]” -- “Insidious” is probably another “it takes one to known one,” judging from this bit of nonsense. (another academic “intellectual prostitute” and manipulator within the latest revision of the tactic of using the mass-communications media for “vitriol and instruction”). --In response to his disingenuous question above (although, perhaps not to the American-Education-System-educated millennial-generation, which is why they are the people who “we” (whoever “we” is?) “have been waiting for,” until now, as the so-called “Boomers” were the people being waited for, circa 1967-68 and beyond): McCain is running for the office of President of the United States of America. “America” is the shortened title, and has been since 1776. This changed for the British, beginning about 1968. By 1980, Canadian Britons had it down pat that they were “Americans too.” For most people, in America (the U.S.A.), and elsewhere around the world, that hadn’t taken yet, and our citizens were known as Americans. But the millennial’s have been begun to be formed in the notion that America is the entire continent (Argentina to Alaska) and nut “just” a country (the U.S.A.). Some “intellectual prostitutes” of the mass-communications media are actually beginning to use the new phrase “USians” in reference to Americans. However, it is not uniform, yet (not to mention that someone forgot to update the spell-checkers--BIG MISTAKE), and the U.S.A. is still known as America by the majority here in America, and by other people, world-wide. McCain is running to be the “American President,” as in the President of the U.S.A. --Doe’s Westin have the proverbial “mouse in his pocket” when he writes about, “one of us?” --I for one am not “one of” whatever kind of miserable, manipulating, lying, creature that Westin has formed himself into. A real piece of human garbage. --And what does that say about TNR's editors?

- p.

June 23, 2008 at 3:20am

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Of course McCain is taking the “low road” (“To Victory,” other than a victory as the Republican Party Presidential candidate, is highly doubtful): He’s a low creature who always has. Although, that’s not the main reason. The “low road” is the only road left in this disgusting, amoral, “New Republic” (USia?).

- p.

June 23, 2008 at 3:28am

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I think this may be a first in an election where rather than make you fear terrorism or the ability of democrats to keep you safe they are making you fear the actual candidate. The way they are going about it is clever too at least for the average American oh we dont know that much about him. Which to me is a joke where the heck was he in space somewhere you know what he was doing so to say that we dont know much about him is to give the impression that he cant be trusted. Furthermore Obama is 46 that means you can go back and learn things about him much easier than McCain who is 71. Do we know what McCain was doing when he was 18 are there records that go back that far. This idea that we dont really know him is the most blatant form of racism that Ive ever seen. Oh he is inexperience and not prepared for the job really McCain doesnt have CEO experience either McCain is a C student he's never taught constitutional law, he's never taught civil rights. The ironcy is that you can highligh your experience without pointing out someone's inexperience. He is NOT inexperience he has 8 years in the state legislature and 3 years in the senate prior to that he work as an organizer civil rights attorney and constitutional professor/instructor. Oh and my favorite he is too young or he is young. Does McCain realize that is AGEISM the same thing that he is admonising Obama for using against him. If you are pointing out that someone is too young you open up the way for them to point out that you are TOO OLD yet the media bother to address this. All the media say is Oh Obama should be careful about going down that road when he says things like McCain is confused or losing his bearings. But its OK for McCain to attack him because he is too young. You wish the coporate controlled media would at least try to be fair but they are so bias that its not even funny anymore. They dont even bother hiding it. Carol

- Carol

June 23, 2008 at 7:59am

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So Mc Cain and the 527's are going to take the low road, what a surprise. Mc Cain lost whatever respect I and a lot of his 2000 primary supporters had for him since before this primary season. He has very little support within his own party,and I would guess that come november,he will carry only Arizona and maybe Utah. Obama has the "making history" thing going for him. I still think that when in the voting booth, the vast majority of Americans will vote for Obama, to be part of that history.

- fseidle

June 23, 2008 at 8:17am

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Of course McCain is going to use Obama's lack of experience and lack of judgement against him. But who is 'playing the race card' now? Obama is, because he wants to take the focus off his recent flip-flops on NAFTA, election financing, FISA and Jerusalem. Obama is better at delivering a speech than McCain is, but Obama can't hold his own in interviews and debates. In any gaffe-off between Obama and McCain, Mr 57 States would lose by a landslide. Obama called both Clintons racists, and the MSM aided and abetted this attack. But Obama's handlers must have realized that calling 'War Hero’ McCain a racist – calling McCain, who was willing to give his life for American values of equality and freedom, a racist won't work. So what is Obama doing? Saying that the Republicans are going to use race any minute now. The Republican Race-Baiting Bogey Man is hiding around the corner! Don't pay any attention to Obama's policy flip-flops, his numerous web-page scrubbings or the fact that he has no life before January 2008, except for that speech in 2002. Other than that, it's all been 'thrown under the bus', and he "can't remember...didn't know...didn't realize". Of course McCain is going to try to paint an Obama presidency as a scary thing: because of Obama's inexperience; Obama's poor judgement; the fact that Obama can't explain his own policies; the fact that Obama's policies keep changing 180 degrees; and the fact that Obama is naive and ignorant when it comes to foreign affairs, and that this is dangerous for America. Yes, this is a campaign tactic that uses fear, but Obama is trying to implant the idea that the only fear involved is fear of Obama's Blackness. Obama is trying to implant the idea that if you don't vote for him you must be a racist. So far, Obama’s race-baiting has wounded the Democratic Party, convinced many Americans that the Clintons are racists, and that any of her followers who won’t join him are racists. Everything the Clinton’s said or did became a racist slur, from Hillary’s misty-eyed moment to the word ‘fairytale’. Now the Obama campaign on its way to polarizing the whole of America. So, please let’s not jump on the Obama bandwagon once again. McCain is perfectly allowed to bring up Obama’s shortcomings. This is not racist. He can call the idea of an Obama presidency scary. This is not racist. You may think that McCain’s present campaign is laying the ground for racist attacks, but you are only speculating about this. I think the only one who would benefit from playing the race card in this election is Obama. Obama’s camp knows this too, which is why they keep playing it over and over again. In the meanwhile, how about criticizing McCain’s campaign for what it is actually saying, instead of reinforcing Obama’s Bogey Man story? Instead of speculating endlessly on how Obama will ward off racist attacks that haven’t happened yet, how about doing some real journalism and not being led by the nose by Obama?

- LDW

June 23, 2008 at 8:44am

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This magazine is much less interesting in election years; too much rah-rah-rah, particularly now that there's an actual nominee. I would get about as much information from staring dreamily at a potrait of Obama, letting all my worries slowly melt away. Ahhhhhhhh...that feels nice.

- ChriS

June 23, 2008 at 8:44am

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Yeah, while the TNR editors were posting about one possible McCain strategy or another, I responded that, barring some horrendous Obama error, McCain has only one way to win, consisting of: 1) scare the living crap out of the country about terrorism, 2) Gore Vidal's description of Republican strategy in the 1960s, "Wave his arms and yell "nigger, nigger, nigger," 3) Swift-boating. Whatever McCain doesn't want to do himself, will be done by others.

- roidubouloi

June 23, 2008 at 9:47am

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This is a little over the top, even for proactive preemption--long story short a portentious paranoid rumination over so far non-existent 527 attacks from non-existent 527's condemning McCain for encouraging these as yet non-existent smears from these as yet non-existent 527's, even as Move.on, very much alive, if only tangentially situated in our own universe as opposed to a parallel bizarro universe where the voluntary army has been junked in favor of conscription for toddlers, is on the youtube attack.

- Paul Freedman

June 23, 2008 at 10:07am

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Possibly the most ironic piece I've read recently. You really need to get out more. Poor ol' MoveOn, party of money Democrats getting picked on by mean ol' McCain. Wow. (Gore started the Willie Horton stuff -- BTW. But don't worry. I get it. Facts are inconvenient in the culture of victimhood.) Again: Wow.

- Bob

June 23, 2008 at 10:08am

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The only 527 attack ads I have seen to date are the MoveOn.org ads with the silly "100 Year War" theme (reasonable people understood what McCain was trying to say in that town hall meeting). "The Republican Attack Machine" is a tired joke; it hasn't been effective in any elections since 2004, and the justification of a preemptive attack by Obama based on the fear of an incoming attack by McCain-allied forces seems to be an argument to rationalize planned bad behavior by Obama allies. Can we have a viable 3rd party candidate, please?

- JFM Independent Voter

June 23, 2008 at 10:20am

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Your article is the lowest of the low road, its not journalism, just a diatribe by one individual. pathetic,

- jerry

June 23, 2008 at 10:37am

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Drew, you are very biased against common sense, and decency aren't you? Obama is evil...

- Jetter

June 23, 2008 at 10:37am

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If McCain manages to win as the last white man standing then he will become President with high negativity ratings, despised by blacks, with a commanding Democratic majority in the House and Senate, and a country sinking into a serious recession with which he has absolutely no plans how to fix, and due to his age limited to one term. His Presidency will have failed even before he takes office. The only way out is for him to take a minority as his VP, either Powell, Rice, or Jindal, and to run to govern as a Conservative Democrat. With a minority on the ticket he will send a clear message it is about ideas and not race.

- blackton

June 23, 2008 at 10:40am

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Nice article that gets at the core of this contest. Can American voters take an honest inward assessment of their ingrained prejudices? If they can, Obama will win, if they can not, McCain may just be able to pull off a steal.

- D H

June 23, 2008 at 10:48am

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I find it interesting that the very tactics you claim will be used against Obama are the ones Democrats (and sometimed Republicans) use every election cycle consistently. Further, conservatives aren't crazy about McCain on some fronts, while they like them on others, but some liberals are beginning to become disenchanted with Obama as he (Obama) demonstrates his lack of judgment and experience over and over again. And yes, who he associates with matters--particularly when he associates with them for more than a decade. Obama has virtually no track record in government and, when interviewed, the American public can't think of a single accomplishment of Obama. So, we must judge him on his words and judgement. On those measures, he is a weak, inexperienced candidate who has often associated with people who seem to have a genuine hatred for our country. If I were a Democrat, I would be just as worried as the Republicans. Neither party has an ideal candidate. One party at least has a candidate with experience and demonstrated leadership qualities.

- TA

June 23, 2008 at 10:50am

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This article is absolutely terrible. Mr. Westen accusses McCain of taking the low road based around appealing to the American people's darker assumptions about Democrats (and did I mention black people), based entirely around a fairly innocuous and appealing to the American people's darker assumptions about Republicans. McCain is running a campaign that is indifferent to most people's economic concerns and based soley on a referendum on a war the American people don't support. What kind of ad is he supposed to run besides one celebrating his background as a war hero?

- Brian

June 23, 2008 at 10:51am

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Funny, the Left wants Americans to hear only their version of the truth, and without impunity will say whatever they please about the Republican candidate. The "inconvenient truth" about Obama and his wife is that they hung out with White-hating parishoners and a White- and America-hating preacher for 20 years. Does that make me racist to notice it? No! Does that make them racist for doing it? American voters can decide. When Michelle Obama says what she said about America, why should you sweep it under the carpet? You wouldn't want the same treatment of such a ridiculous (and telling) comment from Cindy McCain. No, you're asking for a playing field that favors one candidate (nothing new from the Left!), and Americans are saying No. No, we want to know who Obama is. And once they figure out who he is, what his politics are, and what he's been up to all of his adult life, then maybe Americans will turn away from him. But that's not racism. It's putting the power of the decision in the hands of Americans (not a liberal tendency). Sorry Drew! We DO want the truth, not The Truth According To Liberal Posters like yourself!

- spk2moi

June 23, 2008 at 10:52am

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Super article. I hope the Democratic Party is prepared to fight these attacks with the same fire upon fire. I am sick of racial slurs and fear mongering but it does appear, sadly enough, that the tone of the election is set, with Tennessee showing how low it will go. Are the American people ready to show just how American we are and do some thinking or will the same perverse crap prevail that gave us Wonder Boy Georgie?

- mfarrell

June 23, 2008 at 10:57am

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This article is simply another attempt to innoculate Obama against any criticism

- jose martic

June 23, 2008 at 10:57am

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"Sold his soul" Well put raphie.

- tec619

June 23, 2008 at 11:06am

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Right on. It is Obama who has consistently used the issue of race to protect himself against any criticism.

- jose marti

June 23, 2008 at 11:06am

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The Republicans must be held accountable for their history of exploiting racial resentment. Besides the contrived outraged that forced Trent Lott to step down, it is perfectly reasonable to assume the worst of Republicans when it comes to race. When the National Review makes Obama offer up his birth certificate, John McCain hires the creator of the "call me" ad, the RNC labels Obama a former "street organizer", Floyd "Wille Horton" Brown questions Obama's religion, and Michelle Obama is cast as an "angry black women" without evidence, it is perfectly safe to assume that the GOP is willing to play the race card. Hell, they already have. That is want these people are all about. Why Republicans are outraged that their historically effective stragety is being called out is beyond me. They ought to be proud. When Obama is termed the affirmative action candidate compared to a man who finished in the bottom 1% of his class and a current president who never managed anything better than C's, the race card is being played. If Obama had performed as poorly, the right-wing would be talking about it each and everyday. Instead, the use it against him and cast him as elitist= code word for "uppity." And imagine if Michelle had stolen drugs--you know they'd be calling her a criminal day in and day out. How is it that Cindy escapes such criticism. Because she is white and her criminal activity doesn't fit into a convenient stereotype. No, the GOP isn't a racist party, they're just cynical enough to exploit existing racial tensions. Luckily, the electorate has evolved a bit since the 1980s, so I don't think it will work this time, though it still makes my blood boil.

- Razz

June 23, 2008 at 11:14am

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Sounds like one of those out-of-touch intellectuals (term is used loosely, very loosely) looking to keep Obama safe from criticism by screaming "racism!" in every crowded room. A far-left-leaning snake-oil salesman, this writer--just like the candidate he's supporting.

- Rick

June 23, 2008 at 11:20am

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From Shakespeare: "Methinks thou protesteth too much!" This is a classic case of the Pot trying to call the Kettle "Black". Obama's close relationship with the (thank you!) Reverend Jeremiah Wright for so many years (before things got too hot in the "Political Kitchen" for Obama's Presidential Political Ambitions) speaks volumes about Obama's true feelings regarding race relations and "brotherly understanding". If that can somehow be overlooked--then what about Obama's little "private" tirade recently and discretely uttered before the small group of San Francisco Liberals talking about the inferred poor, uneducated (think mill-worker or rural/red-neck) white clinging to his "guns and religion...". That didn't come from Wright's mouth--but the mouth of the (as anointed by the drive-by-media) "great racial and cultural uninter"! Get real--McCain is a "true saint" compared with Obama with regard to your chosen subject regarding racial and cultural bigotry. Get that log out of Obama's eye before prejudging any of McCain's perceived short-comings! We need to ALL play fair and try to practice " equality in bigotry"--along with the always-demanded "racial equality".

- John McAlpine

June 23, 2008 at 11:23am

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Only since Copernicus has a mind and sight been so keen. Drew Westen is pure genius, mind games of this sort can be very powerful because they appeal to the sub concious.

- Brien

June 23, 2008 at 11:24am

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If it walk like a duck. Quack like a duck. Then it a quack.

- patriot

June 23, 2008 at 11:27am

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There is ample proof that the birth certificate released by the Daily Kos and the Obama sites are completely bogus and could have been produced by anyone who has a graphic program on their pc. This is getting curiouser and curiouser. http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/23/obama-birth-mystery-cont/

- Mitch

June 23, 2008 at 11:28am

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BHO has little experience for better or worse. The void of experience will be filled with all sorts of Republican and Democratic fantasies that really take us away from any progressive movement. Bush has been a lame duck for so long, and he is the spoiled fish in the room that we would have removed a long time ago if we were in London or Paris. Our House and Senate are certainly no better with the change of control, and it is sad to see your thoughts on the Executive.

- dls

June 23, 2008 at 11:29am

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There are plenty of legitimate differences to go after Obama about. What is wrong, is to end each sentence with "and did you know he is black?" And for those of you who keep trying to say it's ok to do that because he is black, then I propose all sentences about McCain must end with, "and did you know he is old?"

- anonevent

June 23, 2008 at 11:32am

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This article is loaded with paranoid leaps in logic. Example: He mentions McCain's "The American President" ad, and opines, "What other kind of President is there? An un-American President, someone who is not really 'one of us'? An anti-American President? Or perhaps just an African-American President." To find racism in the term "American President" is beyond far-fetched. But, he doesn't stop there... Later in McCain's ad are the words, "And what must we believe about that president? What does he think? Where has he been? Has he walked the walk?" And Westen detects racism there, too: "Again, innocuous enough, but it plays on the question of what Obama must have been thinking in the (did I say black?) pews all those years while listening to Reverend Wright, or what he must have learned in the Muslim schools he allegedly attended in Indonesia." I expect articles in this publication to present controversial opinions, but to present some evidence (even slanted) that would support those opinions. This article, on the other hand, presents "evidence" that the guy muttering to himself on the street might find incredible.

- Phil G. in NYC

June 23, 2008 at 11:32am

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In a year that should be a shoe-in for the Democrats, the Republican is neck and neck. As the author himself says, focus groups were already highlighting the race problem with Obama's candidacy - long before the RNC got on his case as Hilary was the target at that time. Perhaps the association with the President is less of a handicap than one would have thought? On top of that he is laying an election appeal on increasing taxes in a downturn and more big government, already made unpoular by the incumbent - all of which is not appealing to moderate USA. Unless Obama breaks out a big lead soon, the time that matters in Sept/Oct. will become a difficult one for him. The author of this piece has a different agenda to the one he has written about and reads like an Obama-maniac, not some independent-minded pollster-cum-academic.

- Ian Campbell

June 23, 2008 at 11:36am

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June 23, 2008 at 11:37am

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The New Republic or "Democrats Attack Hyenas" are just "Starting" to use the "Standard" racist bullpucky. But people have become "Fed up" with the excuse used by liberals and minorities to cover their rear ends when questioned. HE IS BLACK, AND HE HAS DONE, "ALL" those things the REPUBLIC calls racist to mention.HHhhmmnn, It appears "liberals and minorities are afraid of the word "TRUTH".

- MEL

June 23, 2008 at 11:43am

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Most of the racism I see, comes from the left wing demogogues who will stoop to any kind of racial fear and hatred to get their "Rock Star" boy elected

- Alan

June 23, 2008 at 11:44am

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The effort to make this campaign about voters' unconscious fears of Obama has already begun.
Unconscious fears? What about the consious ones? If you do your research, you can find a lot of reasons to fear Obama that don't involve your unconscious. I was neutral / positive on O'bama until I actually listened to his speeches and found myself shaking my head when others cheered because his statements didn't always make sense or match the facts. So I did research and found a lot of good reasons to fear Obama that don't involve the colour of his skin. Then there was the whole Reverend Wright debacle. Sorry Drew, anyone who unquestioningly listened to and aligned himself with such inflammatory rhetoric for 20 years, christian or otherwise, SHOULD SCARE YOU. What scares me even more is that the media has not really done much to hold him accountable. Instead they take the race boogey man out of the closet and rattle the bones on his behalf. Maybe I give the Republicans too much credit but I don't think they're stupid enough to make this about race. Sign me ... black and not buyin' it.

- CrossCultureZine

June 23, 2008 at 11:51am

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Re:John McCain: The American President Americans have been waiting for." "When Fascism comes to the United States, it will come in the form of pure, 100% Americanism." Huey Long

- Bob Bogar

June 23, 2008 at 11:51am

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The article is playing upon fears that are "assumed". We are yet to see any McCain or 527-style "Fear Monger" ads..the truth is that Barack Obama himself is on the defensive as his latest "love my country" ad shows. Let us all pray that this campaign is not a re-run of vitriol laden Bush-Kerry show'04. We have pressing issues to resolve, from Economy to Iraq to Oil security and Healthcare. And the most important issue of all, and widely under-stated: Infrastructure and Road Transportation. Let the candidates come head to head on these issues, and trade jabs..we need the see the last man standing in these trade-offs to ensure a fair electoral outcome. Anyway, I as an independent see no harm in McCain's "Real American Campaign", and no doubt Barack Obama's character may be clean, but he does have a LOT to answer for..and any such uncomfortable, yet valid questions getting brushed under in the garb of Racial-Agnoticism is totally unacceptable, and must be resisted. FIGHT REAL, AND TRADE JABS LIKE TRUE FIGHTERS: IN YOUR FACE!! God Bless AMERICA!! (doesn't "Us-ians" sound kinda alien..I am sure not one of them!!)

- Amit Siddhartha

June 23, 2008 at 11:55am

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"The fears are legitimate, and it is legitimate to exploit such fears. Obama is entirely too unknown to be president of the United States. Let the mans serve for a decent amount of time and be in the public eye long enough to be vetted through a reasonable degree of familiarity. This is not 1888. We can't afford any wildcards in the White House". It is truly amazing that you would actually put this online. The "fears" that you speak of have absolutely nothing to do with how Obama would run the country. The term you use is "fears" but it seems from your context that "racial insecurity" would be more appropriate. Race and racism are indelibly linked to America. The issue here is that you and others choose to remember the most base and common themes regarding race and racism. You cannot take the higher ground and find solutions that would elevate America...make us truly the democracy that we globally claim to be, but have not lived up to. As for needing to vet him more, I ask you what do we really know about John McCain? We know about his service record, we know who he is married to and her name, and we know that he is called a maverick. Have we truly vetted Senator McCain? If we use your logic, Senator Clinton should be our next president because she has been vetted more thoroughly than either present candidate. Lastly, as far as "wildcards" are concerned, we the people were "Bushwhacked" twice.

- Rodney

June 23, 2008 at 12:01pm

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Lolz Drew, u r a political noob.l2p, moron.

- Johnny Cock

June 23, 2008 at 12:02pm

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Gore started the Willie Horton stuff...... you really need to get out more!

- SOLE2

June 23, 2008 at 12:16pm

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Talk about playing the "race" card. The left is already pointing fingers indicating anyone who does not vote for Obama is a racist. The Democratic Party and the liberal media, in particular, are intent on making this election about race in order to skirt the real issues, the biggest which would be the legitimacy of their chosen candidate.

- ahp

June 23, 2008 at 12:18pm

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Ridiculous, close-minded hypocricy. The Dems can run their close-minded, HATEFUL Bush = Satan and McCain = Bush 527 ads all they want, with huge advantages in cash, but McCain can't run an ad totally focused on himself? What is McCain supposed to do? He's openly said he does not want any of those kinds of questionable ads run, and has condemned the very few that have been run. The simple and undeniable FACT is that there are SIGNIFICANTLY more negative 527 ads aimed at McCain than at Obama. The Dems have made a living painting Republicans as evil, negative, smear mongers, while at the same time they spend millions upon millions more than Republicans on ads demonizing Bush, and Republicans in general, in the most vicious, devisive way possible. For this idiot to write this article BEFORE ANY OF THESE EVILS HE WARNS OF HAVE EVEN COME ABOUT, is the height of close-minded irresponsibility.

- ABS

June 23, 2008 at 12:19pm

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I love how right wingers act like Obama is the one playing the race card because he's aware of the tactics republicans use. Let's not act like the GOP is above these tactics, I mean Bush played the race card against McCain in 2000 suggesting he had a black baby! In tusn McCain acts like he can't speak out against these tactics. Please cut the $#!*, McCain can't run on the economy, and he's aligned himself closely to Bush's unpopular war even indicating he'd stay in Iraq twice as long as Bush as suggested. McCain has no other choice but to have a dirty tactics taint Obama... and it still won't work!

- NYKat

June 23, 2008 at 12:21pm

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Bravo Western. After being a voting democrat for 30 years I am switching to independent as I am sickened by the print, web and TV media first killing off Hillary, and now the not so subtle attack on McCain, which will only get worse going forward. McCain doesn't need to get dirty on Obama or make this a race contest...the above article creates the erroneous impression this is already a reality. Obama has created his own dirt with everything from his campaign spiritual leader to his relationship and real estate/funding dealing with a convicted felon. I like Obama, but I hate the way the media is, again, trying to manipulating the "masses" (I'm one of them) in an effort that makes Rove and company look like amateurs. The whole process makes me sick and seriously look at what "freedom of speech" on the macro scale has led us. The media flopped over like puppy dogs on the push to invade Iraq, did zip homework on Obama (Rev. Wright was not "discovered" for about a year) and has ruthlessly buried Clinton. For the first time in years these baffoons has strayed from news being entertainment to stretching into mass manipulation to select the next president. Remember, this is the same country that reelected Bush...unfortunatley suckers for this type of manipulation. Shame on us for letting them get away with it.

- media manipulation...again

June 23, 2008 at 12:25pm

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McCain could take the load road, high road, middle of the road, left road, right road, the road up, the road down, dirt road, gravel road, concrete road, east road, west road, south road, north road or the yellow brick road. Any way you cut it I think we all know that McCain is going to lose. It's not his fault, anyone that is a Republican this year is going to lose. Obama knows it, Hillary knows it and McCain certainly knows he's a sacrificial lamb; or maybe at his age he's to old to realize his own party is throwing him under the bus. Why else would he get the nomination? You're telling me among all the govs, reps and senators that are Republicans he is the best the party had to offer or are they just saving their "good nominee" for a year when they think the party can win the white house? We all know they are saving the "good one". McCain is Dole all over again, nice enough but no chance of winning. Somebody has to take the fall in a down year for their party I guess. Why did Hillary fighting so hard,... this is why, she knows like all of those of you writers and readers who are pretending the race is close even though you know it's not,... whoever won the democratic nomination will win the white house. That's the cold hard truth. I guess if you say it out loud there would not be a reason to write or read any more articles on the election now would there?

- redleaf2k

June 23, 2008 at 12:27pm

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Mr. Westen - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Obama's tactics thus far. In some ways he seems to be on the right track -- he tends to counterpunch quickly and forcefully, and he has a way with reframing issues in terms of progressive values. But in other ways, he appears to repeating the same old Democratic mistakes. His response to the FISA "compromise", for example, has the familiar sense of timidity and defensiveness on national security issues.

- dkilmer

June 23, 2008 at 12:29pm

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Drew can't really believe this noise...another media player stooping to shock jock garbage to feed the masses more insinuation and scare tactics wrapped not so cleverly in an article blaming McCain for "probable" racist propaganda(did I say Obama was back?) and use of scare tactics...sadly a typical example of the media creating the stories they can editorialize about.

- yeesh

June 23, 2008 at 12:35pm

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Pathetic. Just lip lock on Barack and french kiss him why don't you. Inexperience, lack of track record, liar,and soul mate of domestic terrorist, racists friend, etc. WOW and people want him as our next president. Where is this country going, but down the tubes!

- Mmarquez

June 23, 2008 at 12:52pm

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Are you all really so foolish? He said that since McCain probably wont win on policy alone (and he is with every other person in the media who predicts a bad yr for Republicans.), that he will have to create doubts about the other candidate (see Bush v Kerry). And if this "attack machine" hasnt begun, why does Obama have to shush another BS rumor every 5 seconds? Half of one debate was them answering questions about their personalities and associations. I know...associations matter. Yes, if free will doesnt matter, associations rightly should. I guess my question is, do you want a president who can think for himself? I do. And as one poster commented, McCain is nothing compared to what he was in 00'. No Im not talking about his age, but his amazing ability to make a very pronounced and unchecked move to the right for a pathetic primary. Im sorry for the pathetic bit, but your candidates sucked! You would think after such a jerk of a pres (and hardly conservative), you would field a Reagan-esque fellow, but....Back to the larger point, there is documented evidence of people unconsciously painting their opponents as out-of-touch and foreign. Also, the media has coded language for the way the muse about US politics vs. the way they speak about Int'l politics, which means painting the US as near and dear to the heart while painting anything else as unknown. Given the herd mentality of the MSM (see "Fox calls FL for Bush" circa 00' or Saddam has WMD), just by reporting stories that refute stories or rumors about Obama, they could be unconsciously sewing doubts about his status as unknown (which his record doesnt help). I think if you can keep the thesis of the article in mind, most of what he says is significant...and to think he did it all without calling anyone racist.

- Chris

June 23, 2008 at 12:53pm

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oh no here comes the scary ol republican attack machine. as if the democrats don't do it. so republicans can't remind the voters that obabma has no relevant experience - 2 years in the senate? none in the house of represntatives? never the gov of a state? mayor of a city? went to Rev. Wrights church for 20 years & didn't know what Wright was saying? Early organizer of his political career an unrepentant terrorist? by all means, obama for president.

- Midwestboy

June 23, 2008 at 1:00pm

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Slow day at the New Republic? I've read and re-read your piece (no easy thing in light of the pedantic style of writing), but have yet to discern a story. Please help me out on this. McCain's white, yes, Obama's black, or at least brown, yes - is that the subtext of your little piece?

- Vadim

June 23, 2008 at 1:08pm

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Speaking of hearing both sides of the truth, maybe Mr. McCain, and the conservative media, should come clean to the American public about his illustrious military career. Funny how he has only released 19 pages (of a 636) of his military record, 2 providing and overview and the rest mentioning his medals and commendations. He doesn't mention that he was in the bottom one percent of his Naval Academy class yet went on to flight school...sound a little "Bushy"? Funny how some of his fellow inmates at the Hanoi Hilton tell a different story of his capivity and the special treatment he received and about how much he talked to interrogators. Funny how he doesn't mention that while he received medals for his captivity, others who said much less to the NVA during interrogations received other than honorable discharges. Funny how he doesn't mention the fact that he was the only officer to be re-assigned after the USS Forrestal fire that killed 136 sailors, for which some believe he was the cause because he wanted to get back at the pilot behind him. He did...that pilot died. Funny how the conservative media has conveniently forgotten about his involvement in the Keating Five Savings and Loan scandal. And the list goes on. Basically the man never had to work a day in his life, everything was given to him because of who his family was, not what he did on his own. I don't believe he has any more of an understanding of what it means to be an average middle-class American than the current President does. And neither does his hieress wife. I agree with one thing...We do want the TRUTH, but from BOTH candidates. I believe once Americans get to know the real John McCain, any alternative will be refreshing.

- ModerateOne

June 23, 2008 at 1:37pm

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One other point about McCain's "The American President Americans have been waiting for": the slogan implies that "non-Americans" want a different president, Obama, which also plays into the mentality of difference.

- Allusionist

June 23, 2008 at 1:56pm

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This is nice; I'm already seeing the play here - if enough outlets can put out enough articles implying that the only reason one wouldn't vote for Obama is racism, he might be able to score all the guilty fence-sitters out there. I mean, now that I think about it...maybe my distaste for Obama's politics and lack of enthusiasm for his his resume are simply justifications for my own racism. And even if not, people might think that, no? I'd better vote for him just to be on the safe side. Thanks, TNR! You've really helped me make an important decision here.

- ChriS

June 23, 2008 at 2:11pm

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Any person who criticizes Obama based on his membership of a church should have rethink. We all lived with speaches and actions of President George Bush for his first term and only reelected him even when his performence rating was at the lowest ebb.Why can n't we all be sincere to acknowledge a star.

-

June 23, 2008 at 2:25pm

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Sheesh - the sour grapes Hillary set and McCain chicken hawks sure are out in force today.

- csmiller

June 23, 2008 at 2:31pm

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How little is written about how the Democrats have used blatantly the issue of age, specifically McCain's, in this contest. the politically correct have been vociferous about gender and race in the campaign but little if nothing is said about the use of age as a negative smear. i thought race, creed, sex and age were demographics that were not to be used. If you can use age, you can use color, sex or whatever works. I am for using none of them but that hasn't been the experience so far this year.

- sigmund fraud

June 23, 2008 at 2:56pm

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Let me see if I understand this. Until recently Barack Obama has been relatively unknown. For those who feel the need to learn more about him, get beyond hype and inconsistencies and who don't genuflect at the mere mention of his name, Obama supporters are supposed to "strike hard at their character." Has Mr. Weston just defined HATE POLITICS? As much as you would like this to be about race, Mr. Weston, it isn't. The ugly game played against Hilary is tired. You do need to get a life.

- B Independent

June 23, 2008 at 3:16pm

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"... McCain has been running "The American President," an ad with all the trappings of positivity, but that actually sets the stage for all future attacks ... ". I viewed the video and see nothing wrong with it. Your sentence above is somewhat disturbing and hints of paranoia. Do you have some inside information about "the future attacks" will be?

- Truthsader

June 23, 2008 at 3:28pm

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The author of this article needs a reality check. Drew is the one taking the low road here, not McCain. It's been candidate Clinton who has rasied the subject of race, experience, and "foreigness"... not McCain.

- Patriot Games

June 23, 2008 at 3:29pm

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I find it interesting that several right-wing (I cannot in good faith call you conservatives any longer) point out that the whole reason behind articles like this is to keep Obama "safe" from criticism. By you stating such you have admitted the only path for McCain to win this election. Not by his own merits, knowledge, ability, insight, intelligence but by underhanded tactics of trying to make a superior person seem less than McCain's very flawed person. I am an independent and am strongly against this horrible two-party system in America. But each cycle I vote for the best candidate. The wishy-washy McCain of 08 is not him. Obama will win because us stupid Americans are starting to get a clue. The same fear mongering will not be as effective this cycle.

- TimL

June 23, 2008 at 3:42pm

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If, after the election, exit polls find that 90% of African-Americans vote for Obama, the press would probably term that trend "unity." If 90% of whites should vote for McCain, the press would attribute it to "racism." While America is certainly ready, I am not sure the press is emotionally equipped for this election.

- Chet

June 23, 2008 at 3:43pm

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Okay, minions of darkness, report back to the castle at once. Darth Cheney wants us to go fling poo at David Broder for some reason. But we'll be back TNR. And we'll get you and your little dog, too!

- Flying Monkey Commander

June 23, 2008 at 3:49pm

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EVERYTING, and I mean EVERYTHING with the Obama cult followers is about racism! I know plenty of McCain supporters and plenty of Clinton supporters who evenly liked and disliked things about the candidate they chose to support. With these Obama weirdos, they say NOTHING negative about him. He's perfection to them. That truly is a characteristic of guru and cult followers. For your own sakes, I hope you will find someone or something that will help to de-program you all!

- NOT OBAMA!!

June 23, 2008 at 3:52pm

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Sadly, this article speaks many truths. We've already begun to see the broken record that is Republican Party campaigning. Fear, fear fear! The irony is, there's nothing more scary than McCain getting elected!

- Jon Muller

June 23, 2008 at 3:56pm

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I think Obama is a schmuck... if he did not expect the fact that he is a muslim to rub the american people the wrong way he is a stupid schmuck. For generations people have taken their pledge on the bible... the fact that he spit on an american tradition dating back to the inception of our country bothers me. His failure pledge allegence to the flag, bothers the hell out of me too. I don't care that he is black, I care that he is a radical extreamist and he hangs out and takes money from terrorists. I care that he fails to give our coutry and its symbols the respect it deserves. I care that he wants to remake the wheel and instead of going back to the basics of what made this country great he wants to remake the wheel. The fact that he is a weakling who would pull out of Iraq and force us to give up our strong position of intimidation against Iran in favor of "negotiations" with a psycho genocidal maniac is just icing on the cake. Bush may have screwed up a lot of things, but we have our foot on Irans neck. That seems like a pretty good spot to "negotiate" from. Obama wants us to help him to his feet, brush him off, give him a cookie, THEN try to negotiate with him. I think Obama will take the low road plenty of times in this campaign and the only reason he will whine so loudly about him being treated like he is less american is because he IS less american. Not because he is black, but because of who he associates with, what he believes, and who he is. A man stops being able to whine to me about how his race has prevented his advancement... the SECOND he is nominated by the democratic party to represent them in the race to become president of the united states.

- Rachel

June 23, 2008 at 4:00pm

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Why is it that liberals (sorry, progressives) always attribute a vote for the opponent as one based on fear or other base emotions (racism)? Why is it that only a vote for the progressive candidate connotes thinking and analysis about the issues? It's because progressives are insufferably self-righteous, among other things. Here, Westen accuses McCain of fear-mongering by mongering fear about racism. The capacity of progressive to hold these contradictory ideas in their heads while claiming some moral imperative is unsurpassed. And it makes me sick to think that these people will have executive power come January. Why is it wrong to imagine Obama sitting in the pews, listening to the sermons of the "fiery preacher" and bobbing his head, smiling knowingly and shouting out along with the rest of the congregation? Why is it fear mongering to reject a candidate who identifies with such things? Try this mental experiment, Westen (I read this somewhere recently): imaging a black candidate for president who is an Army vet, thinks that sacrifice for one's country means more than "community organizing", supports the Second Amendment as written, says that he'll be Hamas's and Hizbollah's worst enemy once elected and vows to push American influence as far as he can, dialogue or no dialogue, in pursuit of his ideals. Can you imagine this candidate fear mongering about racism? Can you even imagine him losing the election to Hillary, McCain or anyone else?

- Roque Nuevo

June 23, 2008 at 4:00pm

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I hesitate to call this an article, as it's really an op-ed piece. Amazing how astoundingly hypocritical Obama supporters can be. Obama is screaming at the top of his lungs that McCain is a racist -- yet provides no proof. Supporters of his campaign have smeared McCain, launched attacks against his wife, and blatantly lied to the american people about McCains voting record. Why does he need to do that? You can look up the record yourself. He's desperate to paint McCain as a racist because he knows that if it comes down to his grasp of policy and his experience, he'll lose horrendously. Obama is the single most racist and divisive candidate in recent history. It's disgusting that his followers will jump right off the cliff with him, blindfolded all the way.

- layla

June 23, 2008 at 4:01pm

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I was hoping that we would finally have an election, as we should, where it is difficult to make a choice. McCain lost me long ago on that one. Both candidates need to disavow their political parties and run on their own merits and not the other's faults.

- John Lauber

June 23, 2008 at 4:03pm

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McCain is a idiot and the people that will vote for him are too!!! This country was lied too and Im pretty sure everybody heard about it. We are fighting a war of no reason and no exit strategy. Our friends family members are suffering and people are dying in vein. The oil companies finally got what they have been waiting for now in Iraq. Does that mean anything to the McCain fan base. Open your eyes and relize that yall are not lost little puppies or robotic republicians where you can think on your own and not take what unfair and unbalanced Fox (fixed) news broadcasting seriously. Read everything that you can about both canidates and make a decision from there.

- corey

June 23, 2008 at 4:06pm

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Drew Weston might consider the fact that there are other presidents beside an American President, what's wrong with using that title? Why must reporters use the bully pulpit and bias to bash anyone they don't personally agree with. I think the old boys network conspired to keep the person who should be the Democratic nominee (Hillary) from that position, old boys like Weston.

- behave

June 23, 2008 at 4:12pm

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You say that Obama in negatively associated with people who have nothing to do with his character (Wright and black extremists, terrorists, etc). Well, McCain has his negative associations too (right wing conservatives, Bush, Iraq war). If it is a smear to mention Obama and “Muslim extremist” in the same sentence, then it is also a smear to mention McCain and “Bush policy” in the same sentence. McCain will take the low road to stick Obama with “terrorist fear”, and Obama will take the low road to stick McCain with “George W. Bush fear”. You point out that there is discrimination against Obama because he is black. Well, what about discrimination against McCain because he is old. And for all those who do NOT vote for Obama just because he is black, there are just as many who WILL vote for him just because he is black. If McCain can’t win this race without playing on race, then neither can Obama win without playing on race. McCain is painted as the racially polar candidate, but which candidate has a racial agenda? What percentage of blacks would vote for McCain? (~ 0-1%). What percentage of whites would vote for Obama? (probably enough to win). Whites could go either way, blacks choose the candidate with the racial agenda.

- C Bark

June 23, 2008 at 4:17pm

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who made this election about race.. the racist himself, BHO.

- t. laiche

June 23, 2008 at 4:17pm

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leftest....you cant talk of racist...when you are the ones using...using those who are indisposed..those who have been left out...your the users...tell them the lies you have...maybe they will believe you. You base of power is white and you talk of the right as racist. Its amazing! You lead the black, and the brown and then do absolutely nothing for them once you are in power.....what lies we weave just to win.

- term

June 23, 2008 at 4:20pm

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People like you are the reason Barak Hussein Obama will be elected soley on the fact that he is black. You radical liberal whites who think we owe teh black community some sort of debt.. So hopefully when this happens the "civil rights" movement can be declared finished and maybe people will stop whining and work together for a change. As long as our enemies don't pummel us during his 4 year term we will survive.

- Dave

June 23, 2008 at 4:27pm

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ModerateOne is slime..and a liar...My guess...Spent his time in the SF airport screaming insults (and more) to returning vets. Go to Canada (Again?) Oh ! what zone did you serve in...how many tours?

- Andrew Dowd

June 23, 2008 at 4:30pm

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Why did Yahoo link to this biased, propaganda bs article?

- hmm

June 23, 2008 at 4:38pm

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John mcCain called his wife a "CUNT" & "TRAMP" in public can you imagine the treatment that poor woman gets behind closed doors. He's lost the sensible women's vote therefore, he will not win the election. Swift Boat that.

- ANNIE BROWN

June 23, 2008 at 4:40pm

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I think that this is sad. I hear Democrats criticize Republicans for being racist, but this is an example of how Democrats (I am assuming from obvious evidence that Westen is a Democrat) are actually racist as well. When you bring race into a situation where race was not involved, just so that you can accuse the other of being racist, is racism. I am greatly displeased with your logic in this situation Mr. Westen. You say that McCain cannot win unless others use racism to stave off Obama's ability to win the general election. That is a sorry excuse if I have ever seen one. Therefore, according to your logic, if he wins, it is not because he was a better candidate and the people agreed with him more than Obama, but that he is racist and that he played on racist emotions in order to win. However, if he loses, it means that Obama is the better candidate? That is poor logic and I beg to differ with your reasoning. Republicans can just combat your logic with saying that if Obama wins, then it means that Obama has played the race card so much that they feel guilty not voting for him (a victimized Obama can raise lots of guilt). However, if McCain wins, it means that he is the better candidate. See Mr. Westen, your own logic can be used against you. I believe that you and others need to leave "race" out of the race and let it be a campaign on the issues, not the appearance of the candidate. People like myself are torn between the two candidates and do not appreciate obvious ideological attempts at demonizing one candidate using flawed and ideologically driven methods.

- Moderate

June 23, 2008 at 4:54pm

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McCain faces long odds. Almost all mainstream media gushes over Obama. Think what would have happened if McCain had flip floped and renounced public funding? The media not only turns its back but in Obama's case spends time justifing it. McCain lays out a sensible program on energy and the mainstream ignors it. Obama says lets raise taxes and take control of foreign markets and the main stream media highlights it, Obama says change 68 times during a speech and the media treats it a sermon from the Mount. Think Hillary was treated unfairly? It ain't nothing compared to the treatment John McCain can expect.

- Rich

June 23, 2008 at 4:55pm

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McCain is a racist! I have a colleague that is publishing a book about his constant and habitual use of the term "gook" in referring to Asians (more specifically Vietnamese). And yes he was a POW for 5 years, and I can understand the use of the term in those times (don't worry it was still reprehensible, but I understand, this is after all America), but he still uses the ternm and gets no flack for it. I asked my friend to make sure and send his book to every Obama state campaign manager. We need a change and YES WE CAN get it. OBAMA '08

- Kelly

June 23, 2008 at 4:56pm

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ModerateOne, do you perhaps work for Obama's version of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, because what Westen even condemned in this article of his you are perpetrating. You cannot condemn swift boat and yet say the things you have said. That my friend is hypocrisy. I am not supporting one or the other (just the freedom to be able to say what you want), I am just saying that you should be consistent with your words-actions. Just another example of the kind of Washington politics that people are sick and tired of. Maybe we should think a little more before we act.

- Moderate

June 23, 2008 at 5:01pm

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Are you serious? You clearly have no idea what is being referred to in the argument about the phrase "the American President." It's a matter of rhetorical juxta-position. The term the American President implies that who ever he's running against is not of that mold, and forgive me if I'm wrng, Barack is an American (not to be complivated with all of your manderings on the term). Stop being offended by th etruth about your candidate's tactics, and don't feign ignorance. It's probably better to own up to it and be proud that these tactics are used so well by the GOP.

- Kelly

June 23, 2008 at 5:03pm

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Few problems with this article: 1) It is unlikely the GOP will want to call further attention to Obama's race; it may actually be one of his strongest advantages, as it puts the whole Yankee vs. Dixie/ Westerner vs. Texan dynamic in to play, guaranteeing strength in states like Colorado, Ohio, and New Mexico that Republicans will be fighting to keep and states like California and New Hampshire that other issues would give an opportunity of taking. 2) While the war may be, in and of itself, unpopular, many recent polls have shown a majority of Americans supporting remaining in to finish. I remember one poll, I think it might be Rasmussen, that stated 66% of voters for whom Iraq was the single most important issue were voting for McCain. The largest part of that change comes from the Surge, a policy McCain himself can take credit for. 3) Democratic Energy Policy has very visibly left the middle class, those who the Democrats supposedly protect, out to dry, and makes taxation talk increasingly hypocrisy. 4) Most of the effective "Low Road" campaigning of this election so far, namely the "McBush" ad and MoveOn's mother who doesn't want her baby drafted (a policy the GOP has never supported) in to McCains 100-year-war, has come from Obama's camp and HIS 527 groups. 5) "proven destructive" - Some of the most destructive initiatives in Congress were enabled by liberals, such as the ethanol subsidies, while others, like the Iraq War, were enthusiastically supported by the other side. Further, the party that has kicked out one of it's most senior and respected members over disagreement on a single policy (I'm talking about Liebermen, of course) is a natural breeding ground for fear-baiting politics. My guess is we will see a Low-Road in this election, and it may carry it's occupant to victory, but it'll be Obama's, not McCain's. Obama's just smart enough to decroate it with pretty streetlamps.

- Jeremy Janson

June 23, 2008 at 5:08pm

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There are minorities and then there are minorities, if you have sufficient numbers that is. Populism is on the rise and many of us from mixed racial and ethnic backgrounds that work hard every day, raise our children, and help others are tired of supporting whiny armchair parasites fronting an imagined moral and intellectual superiority over the rest of us. Yes, we are tired of the Republicans because they provide for only themselves, not their nation. They do not adhere to noblesse oblige. However, we are also tired of the Democrats who presume to right our moral compass by stifling dissent and discussion. We are coming to fill the void. Be afraid, be very afraid. Have a nice day! :)

- Lord Jeff Wop-Mick Papist Mix

June 23, 2008 at 5:12pm

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One can only endorse and re-enforce the recommendations for a counter-offensive. Watch out for a counter-counter offensive, however.

- herbr

June 23, 2008 at 5:14pm

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Super article. I hope the Democratic Party is prepared to fight these attacks with the same fire upon fire. I am sick of racial slurs and fear mongering but it does appear, sadly enough, that the tone of the election is set, with Tennessee showing how low it will go. Are the American people ready to show just how American we are and do some thinking or will the same perverse crap prevail that gave us Wonder Boy Georgie?

- mfarrell

June 23, 2008 at 5:16pm

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This is a good article. It comments on McCain's campaign method. Of course we know that surrogates and 527s are also part of a campaign, for good or bad. My points: 1) It's good in that it shows how McCain has been using 'race' as a political tool. Think of the NC ad, he said don't do it but the state Rep's said, "No, we're running it anyway." 2) The argument that if the Obama campaign says, "Look-out for 'race-baiting'" that they're using the 'race card' is weak. If Obama said nothing then he'd be accused by the left of not fighting back and by the right of, "See, it must be true, he didn't contest it." If anything it's good politics, he pre-emptively sends a signal to the voters to be aware of the coming (increasing) onslaught. He's neither being rude nor attacking. Because he has had less time as the presumptive nominee, he must time his actions and statements carefully. They'll both screw up from time to time, but McCain has had several months to work on his message and delivery, perhaps it's a sign of his weak candidacy that he's still trying to find it. 3) The argument that Obama is being 'racist' or using race to win is not laughable, but ignorant (I use the word not in a 'stupid' sense but in an 'uninformed' sense). He wouldn't choose to run as 'the black candidate' if given his choice, but if he doesn't stand his ground he will never be effective. Lastly, most everyone's acceptance of Obama's 'flip-flop' on his 'pledge' re: public financing is a good example of a smear. He thoughtfully stated his position to the survey given in January(?) that he favors public financing and would certainly consider it. But, it would be foolish of him to go that route now, whether or not he wins or loses. He has already made a name for himself in US political history and increased his power for the future. [Oh, and come on, they're both being 'political,' isn't that what they do for a living, politic?] -ivm

- murillo17

June 23, 2008 at 5:19pm

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Omg! You are soooooo right! It's sort of like playing the White Guilt card, isn't it? No one could be that insidious! Thank goodness we're not as stupid as those working types we see everyday with those horrid children, huh?

- A Papist Wop/Mick Lord Jeff

June 23, 2008 at 5:28pm

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Your academic flatulance is contributing to global warming.... please stop.

- SimonSo

June 23, 2008 at 5:31pm

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I disagree with your definition of 'racism.' Racism is a relationship of power (I don't mean if there's 1 black CEO in the Forbes 500, hence s/he's powerful, then racism doesn't exist), it's the power of one group - however defined - to maintain dominance over another in social and economic circles. When we speak of race (or ethnicity, or ...) we don't mean there's a simple solution to the existing problem. Extremists have their solutions but I think the majority of us (let's say in the US) grapple with an ongoing and changing relationship as time goes on. As others have pointed out, race doesn't equal fear, but it's been closely tied. Many of us feel more comfortable with a doddering uncle than a smart and challenging 2nd cousin. Vote as you will, from whatever your perspective; my stance is for my wife and young child.

- murillo17

June 23, 2008 at 5:37pm

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Jerry, It's interesting that the same people who've criticized Michelle Obama out of contest now seem willing to quote McCunt in contest over his 100 year comment.

- joseph

June 23, 2008 at 5:46pm

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remember one thing people. Experience is what got us where we are now. fighting a senseless war for the oil companies. Economy is ruined and i listened to Barrack speeches and I see what he is talking about. Conservative people like myself have to open up our eyes. The people that we thought we could trust turned out to be the snakes and the people that our parents told us to stay away from. The biggest crooks arent the drug dealers at least they are doing to make money to feed the families, but the biggest crooks are in Washington. I was highly upset to hear all the lies and cover up that was going on with the Bush Administration. Those same people are in line with the McCain's. McCain doesnt know shit about the economy so he gets the same lobbyist that put in the state that we are in. Why would you put these assholes on your campaign.

- life

June 23, 2008 at 7:07pm

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Right wing ideology is destructive?? Left wing liberalism is a DISASTER!!!

- hip

June 23, 2008 at 7:23pm

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Hasn't Obama been playing the fear card for months? Painting McCain as a warmonger? As another George Bush? And as for his surrogates--the MoveOn ad? That's not fear mongering? Come on. The McCain camp is in very good company on this. All three of the big candidates (may God rest her soul) have and will continue to peddle fear this cycle.

- Anthony

June 23, 2008 at 7:38pm

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You have two choices for president: The first one has one of the longest lines of political experience in history. He is exceedingly popular in congress. He also volunteered to defend the our country in the US Navy. The second one has no real political experience outside of Illinois. He is tall and lanky with big ears. He even lost a few of his first attempts at gaining political office. He is an excellent speechwriter and orator. He is a good attorney and has a successful law practice. So which one would you choose? This is a trick question because both were already Presidents of the United States. The first one is the 15th President of the United States, James Buchannan. He is the President who mired us in the Civil War by declaring the action illegal but doing nothing when the south decided to seceed from the Union. He is largely considered by historians as being the worst President in American history. He was followed by the other man who became the 16th President of the United States: This man is credited with the end of slavery, the end of the Civil War, and unification of the nation. He became president at a dark time when our country was deeply divided over very polarizing issues. He had no experience in Washington prior to his Presidency. His name was Abraham Lincoln and he is widely considered by historians as one of the best Presidents in American History. Sound familiar?

- G.Washington

June 23, 2008 at 7:44pm

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Here in the USA, most of us want honesty advise: to rise above historical prejudices and above the political-mudfight gridlock that currently dominates our government. And our final-two candidates do too. But our “mainstream” media keep pulling us and our candidates down. It wasn’t just Hillary Clinton that Obama barely beat. His principal foe was the five-month flood of media promotion of racism-stimulating “news” -- those excerpts from Pastor Wright, endless reporting of polls and votes designed to divide us by race and gender and schooling, other appeals to our worst emotions, instincts, prejudices. In our election news, we want and need what you call for. We want to raise the focus to what the candidates say, and what they should be saying, about the serious issues –- here and around the world, peace and safety, jobs and economic fairness, energy and preservation of environmental conditions of life on Planet Earth. But in our election “news,” most of what we’ve been getting from our “mainstream” media portends another six months of racism stimulation and other shallow partisan divisions and diversions. Interestingly,because it seems to me that "journalists" can be part some of the most elitist,authority-to-themselves characters.Perhaps thats the price of freedom speech of humanism pseudo.Question is,from where do they derive their gracious righteousness? Likely, it is from their own "conscience," which is hardly objective. Even the conservative christian evanlegical knows about the truth and honesty of Obama that come not through the Medias but deep down in their hearts,the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18 and 19). Take a look at Romans 1:22-32. Pretty sobering reading - if you are not too self-important and arrogant to think you've already got it all figured out and don't need the input of the Ancient of Days. Don't guess they teach Proverbs 1:7 at those Ivy League schools.

- G.Washington

June 23, 2008 at 7:58pm

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The author must be saying something right, because he really seems to have touched a nerve with the "Obama is a Muslim/Obama is using racisim to his advantage" crowd.

- chrisBZ

June 23, 2008 at 8:09pm

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Seems only natural that one might go a little bit loopy after being confined in a POW camp. I'm going with the saner candidate.

- John Lauber

June 23, 2008 at 8:34pm

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Look in the mirror. Obama is the biggest hypocrite in politics. He will be found out for his racist demeanor before the election and then he will join the other Lib losers in the scrap heap of history.

- Bullets

June 23, 2008 at 8:47pm

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Ho-hum. Weston's comments are so predictably partisan. I'm going to resist being sarcastic and just say simply: McCain is not perfect, but he is a principled, independent, and proven man. And he is a brave man (in the Senate as well as in VietNam). Obama is an up and coming opportunist who is taking the easy slide all the way through. He is sliding by on his non-whiteness, on his "stances" that have no analysis behind them, on his "change change change" rhetoric with no real solutions offered. He flip-flops as the wind blows. He wants to be elected - pure and simple - and the American public is "in love" with him - like teenagers who can't think straight. I'd like to see a non-white person get elected too, as a matter of fact. But not this non-white person.

- Mary

June 23, 2008 at 9:09pm

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Isn't Barrack using fear as well? "100 Years in Iraq"? "Four More Years of Bush"? And what about his surrogates? The MoveOn ad is not fear mongering about what will happen if McCain wins? Come on already.

- Anthony

June 23, 2008 at 9:34pm

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It's not that McCain is racist, it's just that the majority of those that support him are white people who don't care if Obama is a Muslim, Christian, Elitist or anything. They only care that he is black, and they will not have this natiion run by a black man. To them, all blacks are children who require a firm white hand to guide them.

- JThadeus

June 23, 2008 at 9:57pm

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I didn't realize I was a racist until I read this article. I thought I was not voting for Obama because I intensely dislike his misguided policies and politics; now I know I'm just a subliminal racist being manipulated by the Evil Republicans. And anyone who questions Obama or doesn't vote for him is likewise racist. It's all very clear now. Thanks for clearing that up, TNR.

- Chuck56

June 23, 2008 at 11:11pm

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I think Obama has already served clear notice that if he is the subject to personal attacks, or particularly ones on his wife, then Cindy McCain's taxes, past drug addictions and luxurious lifestyle will also be the subject of attack ads. His (and her) adulteries may also crop up. Not to mention the way McCunt (expect to hear more aobut that one, too!) quickly ditched his first wife for a richer, sleeker bed partner. He's challenging McCain: "Do you really want to go down that road?". Out of desperation, McCain may do just that ... it worked before. Fox News and the usual slime merchants are confident of victory. They have not realised that two can play that game, and we may be set for the dirtiest, most disgusting campaign of modern times. Its not what the American people deserve.

- toby

June 24, 2008 at 3:56am

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President Hussain will see that all pray five times daily to Alla.

- Mohammad Ahmen

June 24, 2008 at 9:34pm

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Quote from this article: "We are poised for the nastiest, most racist presidential contest in modern American history. Why? Because John McCain can't win any other way." Doesn't this go a bit beyond mere partisan bluster? Is this comment really worthy of someone who says he is a professor a Emory U? Does he really believe that McCain can only win by running a "racist" campaign?

- Mark H

June 25, 2008 at 1:32pm

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Geez,what a bunch babble...It was not white working class Republicans who did not vote for Obama in the primaries..it was Dems....Democrats should look in the mirror for a change when it comes to race ..Also ,is it ok to be critical of Obama without being a racist?What say the political correctness police?

- Hubie

July 2, 2008 at 4:22pm

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Obama and his supporters have already pre-labeled anyone who disagrees with him as racist, so, frankly, the GOP and the conservative 527s have nothing to lose by taking the low road. It's already been mapped out for them by the liberals. And you should really think before making statements about how Republicans always run dirty campaigns. As if that is meant to place them in opposition to the squeaky clean Democrats? Please, this is politics. Show me a nice person running a political campaign - Republican or Democrat - and I'll show you a loser.

- rickbrownell

July 4, 2008 at 11:02pm

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I'm glad that someone has enough nerve to point out racial, descriminative politics and bring them to light for what they are. Politician's lack of morality and willingness to do anything for the vote never cease to amaze me. Now if we can just get the public to get their news from somewhere besides MTV.......

- Josh/VA

July 12, 2008 at 6:54pm

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Wow, I hope you are not that bitter with your friends and family. Please take a deep breath, relax, put your feet up. You'll feel better afterwards.

- marcos

August 1, 2008 at 10:23am

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